Do you think Paddock's shot would've gotten more votes if it wasn't of Gwin?
I bet some people see it and think 'well that's a standard shot for a WC-level racer', and they don't consider how phenomenal that actual photo is.
That same shot (lighting, action, composition, etc.) of an amateur rider would end up in this final voting round, would be my guess...

@jasdo: Ah, your sarcasm font must be turned off. It's the red button in the upper right hand corner with the 'x' in it. Sometimes the green button with the upward arrow next to the main comment turns it on, too...